When was the last time you watched a TV show that made you think, "I’m so glad I watched that"? If the answer is too long ago, we’re about to change that with tonight’s beyond brilliant series, Tea with Judi Dench, which is returning for a special episode that will see national treasure, Judi Dench, invite Sir Ian McKellen into her home for a chat – and, no spoilers, but it’s the most comforting show on TV.

Why, you ask? Well, if you watched the first episode with Sir Kenneth Branagh last December, you’ll know that Judi’s chats are as moving as they are absolutely hilarious. And episode two is set to be no different as 91-year-old Judi and 87-year-old Ian go way back, so no topic is off the table: think James Bond, Ian coming out, regrets and even relationships with their parents.

With the series returning to our screens tonight, here’s everything you need to know about the new episode of Tea with Judi Dench before you watch it, including who’s in it, how to watch the trailer and what time it's on TV.

What is Tea with Judi Dench about?

editorial use only. no book cover usage. mandatory credit: photo by rob youngson/sony pictures/kobal/shutterstock (10327617q) kenneth branagh as william shakespeare and judi dench as anne hathaway all is true film 2018 a look at the final days in the life of renowned playwright william shakespeare.
Rob Youngson/Sony Pictures/Kobal/Shutterstock

The heartwarming series, which launched on Sky Arts last December, sees Judi Dench introduce a celebrated performer into her Surrey home for a candid conversation. The first episode saw her invite longtime friend and sometime collaborator, Kenneth Branagh (pictured above with Judi in All is True), in for tea and a chat and their conversation was peppered with archive material and Judi’s rather wicked sense of humour.

What will happen in the new episode of Tea with Judi Dench?

first look image for dame judi dench's conversation with sir ian mckellen
Sky

In the new episode, Judi will invite the legendary Sir Ian McKellen round for a cuppa to swap stories from their extraordinary lives both on stage and off. They’ll discuss everything from Shakespeare, stage fright and the insecurities of acting, to the worldwide fame of the Lord of the Rings and James Bond films.

The pair will reflect on success, failure and the importance of never taking either too seriously. Along the way, viewers will also see Ian speak movingly about coming out, his defining role in the fight against Section 28, and one of his greatest regrets: never sharing the truth about himself with his parents.

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two elderly people enjoying nature in a sunny forest clearing.
Sky UK / Mindhouse

“I was in the depths of stage fright”, Ian says in the trailer, which you can watch below. “What magic empathy you had,” he continued, suggesting the pair bonded over their shared experiences on stage. As you’ll see from the trailer, their working relationship goes back many, many years.

Judi told Radio Times of the series: "Both Ian and Ken’s careers are phenomenal. My relationship with both Ken and Ian are very much based on a sense of humour. When I first started working with Ken it was on television and we were both sent out of the studio for laughing so much and we have been close friends ever since."

Speaking about reflecting on his life and career, Ian added: “It’s always fun remembering with colleagues one’s own age. Of course, as the years pile up, it’s likely that memories can fade.”

Who will star in the new episode of Tea with Judi Dench?

elderly woman and man laughing and talking indoors.
Sky UK / Mindhouse

The episode will feature an intimate chat between Judi and Ian, but we’ll also be introduced to Judi’s pet parrot, Sweetie!

Is there a trailer for Tea with Judi Dench?

Yes, you can watch the trailer for the new episode of Tea with Judi Dench below.

How can I watch Tea with Judi Dench?

The new episode of Tea with Judi Dench will air on Sky Arts and NOW on at 9pm on Monday 31stAugust. You can catch up on the first episode on Sky and NOW.

What other Judi Dench series can I watch now?

elderly woman wearing a ruffled bonnet and white shawl looking into the camera.
UKTV

If you’re a period drama fan, we’d recommend Cranford. Set in the 1840s, the series revolves around the ladies of Cranford, including Miss Matty Jenkyns (Judi Dench), Miss Pole (Imelda Staunton) and Mrs Forrester (Julia McKenzie), who live their lives somewhat rooted in the past. But the Industrial Revolution is about to change everything and these ladies are determined to put up a fight before it does. You can watch Cranford on U. If you fancy seeing Judi star alongside Kenneth Branagh and Ian McKellen, we’d suggest All is True. The drama chronicles the later years of playwright William Shakespeare as he comes to terms with the death of his son, Hamnet, with Kenneth starring as Shakespeare, Judi as his wife Anne Hathaway, and Ian as the Bard's patron. All is True is available to watch on Sky and NOW.